Dillon RL550 casefeeder....Reliable

[km101]

I have a 550C and am considering a Dillon case feeder to simplify the reloading process.
(No I don't want to upgrade to a 650.)
Those of you who have or had a casefeeder, let's have your thoughts. Pros/Cons
Reliable? Worth the money? Too finicky?

Anything else out there that would work better on this press?

Good or bad reviews, let's hear it! Thanks for the in-put!

 

[loadedround]

I've wondered the same thing myself.

 

[Bronx kid]

I don't know. I have thought that if I wanted to add a case feeder to my 550 I would just sell it and get a 650.

That's just me.

 

[jmorris]

I don't know many that have used them on the 550 but they are limited to some pistol rounds unless you want to fabricate.

And make the 550 somewhat less easy to convert and the case feed is more expensive because it is more like the LNL, everything to feed the case from a tube into the press and a collator vs like a 650 "case feed" that is just the collator as the rest of the system is factory installed on the base 650.

 

[glc24]

Being all I do on my 550B are 40 S&W, and 45 ACP, I decided to get the case feeder. I've had it for 3 years now, and loaded maybe 2,500 of each caliber.

Installation is easy, and the parts fit together nicely, but then again it's a Dillon product. It did take some adjusting to get it aligned properly, as the feeder parts are so very close to the press. But once fine tuned, it's a pretty darn smooth operation.

The only issue I have had with it, is the caliber specific "locator" (as Dillon calls it) which the case rim slides on/in to get to station 1, has to be kept clean. The case will not slide smoothly and will get tipped over. Of course, if not caught in time, it gets crushed by the sizing die. Out of the almost 5,000 cases, maybe a handful have fallen over. IMO, a not so smooth rim bottom could cause this too.

 

[Schmuck]

I bought one for my 550 a month ago. I have an older '90s model 550.

When I installed the lower case feeder assembly to my platform assembly and used the alignment tool to affix the platform with everything lined up properly, I noticed that the pull handle hit the lower feed assembly. I sent Dillon an email, and pics of the problem.

They suggested I either file down the lower case feeder assembly, or go with an XL650 crank that sets the handle at a different angle. I opted for the XL650 crank, which they sent me for free along with the upgraded grease-able link arm pivot pin. (THANK YOU!) (Unbeatable customer service!)

The problem that the new crank created was now my handle didn't work with the 550 bullet chute. A little modification to extend the ramp cured that. I JB welded a small scrap of aluminum to the bottom of the ramp, and used some blue tacky stuff the little woman had laying around for hanging stuff on the wall to fill in the gap. Coated the top with super glue to remove the tackiness and make it solid. Seems to be working fine so far......
BEFORE PIC stock 550 crank arm

PICS OF AFTER XL650 crank arm

 

[glc24]

A bit of difference between the models over the years. My factory handle is close but does not touch.